The Federal Government has announced plans to more than double the contribution of Nigeria’s livestock sub-sector to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product, raising it from $32bn to over $74bn within the next decade.
The Minister of Livestock Development, Idi Mukhtar Maiha, disclosed this on Tuesday in Ilorin during a livestock stakeholders’ engagement organised by the Kwara State Government. The event brought together more than 250 participants from across the livestock value chain.
Represented by his Special Adviser, Mr Mark Mbaram, the minister said the Federal Government was determined to reposition the livestock sector as a key driver of food security, job creation, and sustainable economic growth. He emphasised that food security is a vital component of national security, which informed the government’s decision to prioritise livestock development.
According to Maiha, the ministry has developed a National Livestock Growth Acceleration Strategy designed to improve productivity and significantly increase the sector’s economic contribution. He noted that the strategy has been internalised and approved by the National Economic Council.
As part of the reforms, a special committee has been established to focus on ranching as a sustainable and modern model for livestock development. The minister stressed that the era of open grazing and itinerant herding is no longer viable in today’s Nigeria.
He described ranching as the most practical and sustainable option for modern livestock production, adding that its adoption would reduce conflicts, improve efficiency, and support long-term growth in the sector.
